510 DUCKS; MALLARD; SCOTERS, ETC. 



waters, very seldom immersing the whole body ; the feet are 

 placed farther forwards than in the other section, so that walk- 

 ing is easier ; the wings are longer ; the swimming- web is less 

 extensive, and the hind-toe is free. They employ their wings 

 and legs considerably in flying or walking from one part of the 

 shallow to another ; and their food consists of vegetable matter, 

 as well as of small animals. To this section belong the common 

 Mallard or Wild Duck (the origin of our domesticated breeds), 



Fiu. 291. MALLARD. 



the Sheldrake, Teal, Widgeon, Muscovy Duck, and many other 

 species. The Ducks of the second section are inhabitants of 

 deeper waters and of the sea. The hind-toe is included in the 

 membranous web ; and the expanse of this is considerably 

 greater; so that the swimming powers are much increased. 

 Most of them, too, are good divers; and obtain their food, 

 which consists of small crabs, shell-fish, and aquatic plants, by 

 immersing the whole body in water. The neck is shorter, and 

 not so much adapted for dabbling in water; the wings are 

 smaller and less powerful ; and the legs are placed far back. 

 This group includes the Scoters, Eiders, Pochard, Scaup, Gol- 

 den-Eye, and many other species more or less known upon our 

 coasts. The Scoters are altogether marine in their habits, and 

 obtain their food by diving. They chiefly live upon fish and 

 mollusks; and their flesh has a rank fishy taste. They are 



